System and method for managing and optimizing power use

Abstract

A system and method to optimize the use of utility power. The system and method obtains real-time and scheduled data. The data is saved into a database. An application is run to optimize the use of the utility power based on forecasted load requirements and available resources. A schedule is produced after optimizing the desired use for the utility power for a given user.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a Converted Provisional into Non-provisional application from previously filed provisional U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 675,342, filed Apr. 26, 2005 and is a Continuation-in-Part of Ser. No. 10 / 152,088 filed May 20, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,089,190.BACKGROUND[0002]a) Field of the Invention[0003]The present concept relates to a system and method by which public utility districts, utility companies, and other power, natural gas and energy companies within the power industry can effectively acquire information to integrate, analyze, optimize, and utilize the respective energy supply, as well as position themselves within the market ahead of changing environmental conditions.[0004]b) Background Art[0005]This current embodiment was developed for the particular operating environment which exists in the area served by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and other areas which have somewhat similar operations (e.g. the Western Area Power Administration...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Not all of the dams have power generation capacity.

Further, those dams which do have power generation capacity do not run all at the same time.

These competing interests limit the Bonneville Power Authority's ability to maximize the hydroelectric power capacity of the Columbia watershed system.

Consequently much of the storage capacity may go unused.

Also, the amount of SLICE energy delivered to a participant is not guaranteed, nor is the timing of power deliveries likely to match a participant's actual requirements over the course of a year.

Beyond notification of the paper pond status, the BPA will not provide the SLICE users with additional real-time information.

Consequently, an unsophisticated SLICE participant might not schedule and utilize the SLICE resource efficiently thus finding itself in violation of an upper or lower paper reservoir boundary.

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